Archive for the ‘Gluten and Psoriasis-Clin Exp Dermatol 2011’ Category

...before we start this journal article I (Kevin G. Parker, D.C.) would like to say having been involved in sports nutrition and functional medicine (which should be called Functional Nutrition) for a long time, I always thought my job was to help the patient get better as soon as possible. The word doctor comes from the Latin word docere – to teach. I prefer teaching patients how to keep themselves well, and empowering them to take responsibility and control of their own health, rather than creating dependency upon on doctors.

In his follow up book to his “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, Dr. Stephen Covey writes that the Eighth habit is: “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.”

This made me think that reducing a patient’s suffering is a way that I can inspire others to find their voice. A person who is suffering can’t express their voice.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that the significantly high prevalence of AGA antibodies in patients with psoriasis supports the possibility of a link between psoriasis and gluten-sensitive enteropathies, especially CD.

Abstract

Studies have indicated an association between psoriasis and coeliac disease (CD), an immune-mediated gluten-dependent enteropathy; however, the precise relationship between psoriasis and CD remains controversial.

We aimed to assess the prevalence of the CD-associated IgA antibodies antigliadin antibody (AGA), tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and antiendomysium antibody (EMA) in patients with psoriasis.

In total, 41 patients with psoriasis and 41 healthy controls were enrolled in this study.

Blood samples were taken from all participants, and screened for AGA, tTG and EMA. We found a significantly higher level of AGA in patients with psoriasis than in controls, but levels of tTG and EMA were not significant.

There was also a significantly higher prevalence of AGA, tTG and EMA in the patient group (34.1%, 34.1% and 14.6%, respectively) than in the control group (2.4%, 22% and 4.9%, respectively).